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This lesson covers the difference between scalar and vector quantities — a fundamental distinction in physics — as required by the Edexcel GCSE Physics specification (1PH0), Topic 1: Key Concepts of Physics. You need to be able to classify quantities as scalar or vector, represent vectors using arrows, and add vectors using scale diagrams.
A scalar quantity has magnitude (size) only. It does not have a direction. When you state a scalar, you give a number and a unit — nothing more.
| Quantity | Unit | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | m/s | A car travelling at 30 m/s |
| Distance | m | The track is 400 m long |
| Mass | kg | The ball has a mass of 2 kg |
| Temperature | °C or K | The water is at 100 °C |
| Energy | J | The battery stores 5000 J |
| Time | s | The race took 12 s |
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